2025 Becomes the UK’s Best Year on Record for Certified Solar Installations
The UK has officially recorded its strongest year ever for certified solar panel installations, surpassing the previous peak set in 2011. New data released by MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) shows that certified solar PV installations have climbed past 203,125 for 2025 so far, pushing the national total to 1.85 million installations since records began.
According to MCS, this year’s surge cements 2025 as a landmark moment for small-scale renewables in the UK, driven by unprecedented demand for home-grown clean energy and a rapid expansion of solar across the new-build housing sector.
New Builds Drive Growth as Future Homes Standard Looms
One of the most significant contributors to the record-breaking growth has been installations on new build properties.
Since MCS began tracking new-build installations in October 2023, the UK has seen 139,425 certified solar systems installed on newly constructed homes — representing 32% of all solar installations during that period. That proportion has risen to 35% in 2025, making new builds the fastest-growing segment of the domestic solar market.
In June 2025, developers set a new monthly record, with 9,507 certified new-build installations — the highest volume recorded in a single month.
This momentum comes ahead of the Government’s Future Homes Standard, expected to be published later this year, which will effectively mandate solar panels on most new homes by 2027. Industry analysts say the policy is likely to trigger even faster market expansion over the next two years.
Regional Leaders: Somerset and Cornwall Top the Charts
MCS data also reveals strong regional variation in deployment. The top-performing local authorities for 2025 so far are:
Somerset – 3,741 installations
Cornwall – 3,726 installations
North Yorkshire – 2,780 installations
County Durham – 2,668 installations
Wiltshire – 2,545 installations
The figures highlight that while the South West remains a solar powerhouse, adoption is rising steadily across northern regions, signalling broad and geographically diverse momentum.
Battery Storage Soars 122% as Households Look to Maximise Solar
A parallel surge in battery storage installations demonstrates increasing consumer appetite for energy independence and bill savings.
MCS reports that certified battery storage installations—often paired with rooftop solar—have grown by 122% year-on-year, reaching a total of 59,000 systems by the end of September 2025.
Industry experts say this pairing is becoming standard, with households increasingly storing excess daytime generation to offset peak-time electricity costs.
Sector Leaders Welcome a Transformational Year
Ian Rippin, CEO, MCS
“It’s great to see 2025 continue to be a record-breaking year for small-scale renewables, as more people put their trust in solar to power their homes.
This highlights the important role of certification in providing confidence to consumers. We’ve redeveloped our Installer Scheme to ensure we can support the sector as it grows, putting consumer protection at its heart.”
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband
“The British people are showing record demand for solar panels because they know this is a slam-dunk way to cut energy bills.
This Government is committed to the Future Homes Standard so the vast majority of new-build homes are fitted with solar from the start.
This is our clean energy superpower mission in action – lower bills and greater energy security.”
Chris Hewett, CEO, Solar Energy UK
“This is tremendous news. The long-standing record has come close to being beaten for the past two years – and with the Future Homes Standard coming in, I have no doubt we will see yet more records being set.
Solar generation is expanding rapidly at all scales, helping to drive down bills, secure our energy supplies and deliver economic growth.”
Tracking the Solar Boom
MCS maintains the UK’s most comprehensive dataset on small-scale renewable uptake, available via the MCS Data Dashboard, which provides near real-time updates on installation trends nationwide.
As solar deployment accelerates ahead of major policy shifts, analysts predict the UK could enter a prolonged period of record-breaking growth — with 2025 marking just the beginning of a new era in low-carbon home energy.
Thinking of Becoming a Qualified Electrician?
At OPTIMA, we provide comprehensive electrical training courses that equip you with the skills, qualifications, and confidence to work safely and legally in this vital industry. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your qualifications, our accredited training programmes will give you the knowledge, confidence, and credentials to meet new building standards and market demand.
By enrolling with OPTIMA, you’ll:
✅ Gain industry-recognised qualifications trusted by employers. ✅ Hands-on practical training
✅ Train in a supportive, career-focused environment with real progression routes.✅ Expert instructors with real-world experience
✅ Access our ‘Pathway to Placement’ support to help you move from the classroom into paid work.
✅ Be part of a trade that’s essential, future-proof, and in constant demand.
Contact us today to embark on your training journey.
Contact us: Request Information
Email: info@optima-ect.com
Freephone +44 800 0371572